DENVER — When Cesar Millan, dog trainer and best-selling author, announced he would hold pastors conferences in Denver and Chicago, the events sold out in three hours. Now his “Pack Leader Pastors” conference has become the surprise buzz of the summer.

“Millan gave me more ministry tools than a dozen pastors conferences I’ve been to over the years,” said a pastor from Iowa.

Millan told the 750 gathered church leaders that “there are no problem churches, just problem pastors.” He then explained how pastors should become their church’s pack leader and “staff whisperer” by practicing calm-assertive leadership and keeping staff members and problem church members in a calm-submissive state.

“Your people need exercise, discipline and affection, in that order,” Millan said. “Most pastors give them affection first. Your people see this as weakness.”

Millan said church programs are like exercises he gives to dogs to keep their minds busy and focused. Many pastors who tried his techniques back at home testify that they worked.

“My unruly youth pastor and independent associate fell right in line when I practiced calm-assertive leadership and gave them regular ‘exercises’,” says one pastor.

The only complaint came from associate pastors, some of whom felt slighted by Millan’s remark that each church can have only one pack leader.